Home Remedy for Diarrhea in Dogs

Today, I want to share my experience using home remedy for diarrhea in dogs that helped my eight-year-old German Shepherd Rambo during his recent tummy upset.

Dealing with a dog's upset stomach and diarrhea can be a stressful experience for both dog owners and their dogs. While there are various causes, from dietary indiscretion to gastrointestinal issues, knowing what dog diarrhea home remedies we can try to help our dogs feel better is helpful.

One day after returning from the vet visit for his senior dog wellness exam, Rambo started having diarrhea at home. His dog poop was runny. He kept waking up in the middle of the night to go potty. To be honest, I wasn't sure what had triggered it.

Could it have been the albacore sashimi I shared with him? (I share human food with Rambo all the time).

Could it have been a delayed stress response from the vet visit that is causing an upset in his digestive system?

Could it have been the sedatives they used and the stressful event at the vet visit doing something to his immune system?

Or it could have to do with the milk thistle supplement I give him for detox? (If you want to get more familiar with what Milk Thistle is and its benefits for dogs, I will share that in a future blog post.)

Regardless of the cause, my dog had diarrhea throughout Thursday night. I only managed to get 2 hours of sleep because he kept waking me up in the middle of the night to go to potty.

At 5 a.m. the following morning, I ordered slippery elm from NOW FOODS (yes, it's a human-grade herbal supplement, and it's for humans). I had it delivered to me on the same day. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime.

Home Remedies for Dogs with Diarrhea

Fasting

Initially, I had planned to fast Rambo for 12 hours.

Fasting can be helpful for a dog with diarrhea. Here are the reasons why fasting can be beneficial for dogs with diarrhea:

1. Giving the Digestive System a Rest

   When a dog has diarrhea, it often indicates that something is upsetting their digestive tract. Fasting for a short period (12-24 hours) allows the digestive system to rest and recover. It gives the intestines time to heal and reduces the chances of further irritation from food.

2. Removal of the Offending Agent

   Fasting can help eliminate the offending agent from the system if the diarrhea is caused by dietary indiscretion or something the dog ingested. It gives the dog's body time to process and pass the irritant.

However, Grandma Chow, like all grandparents worldwide, was terrified of the idea of fasting. She was so worried that Rambo would be too hungry. She insisted on feeding him at least half of his breakfast. Rambo has been a raw-fed dog since he was two years old. His breakfast usually consisted of lean ground beef, pork, turkey heart, chicken feet, and organ meats.

After Grandma Chow insisted on feeding Rambo, I rolled my eyes impatiently and said, "Watch, he's going to have diarrhea again."

Mom replied (in Chinese), "It's going to be fine. I will only feed him small amounts of lean meat and chicken feet, not the kidney and liver."

Instead of arguing further with my mom, I went to the pantry and got a can of Whole Foods Market Pumpkin Puree . Another great brand you can get is Farmers Market 100% Organic Pumpkin Puree. I brought the Whole Foods Pumpkin Puree to the kitchen and told my mom, "If you insist on feeding him, add one big tablespoon of this pumpkin puree to his bowl."

The amusing part is that, during our back-and-forth with my mom, I turned around to see Rambo with his happy face, eagerly waiting to be fed.

Now, why pumpkin puree? Let me explain.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is a superfood. It's a natural remedy that can work wonders for dogs experiencing diarrhea. This orange vegetable contains essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and dietary fiber. But what are the benefits of pumpkin for dogs with an upset stomach?

Pumpkin has the remarkable ability to absorb excess water in the intestines and aid in forming firmer stools due to its high fiber content. It contains soluble fibers that work as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and contributing to a healthy gut environment. Not only does pumpkin alleviate diarrhea, but it can also help with constipation, making it a digestive superfood that benefits your dog's gastrointestinal health.

How Much Pumpkin Puree Should I Give the Dog?

To provide your dog with the benefits of pumpkin, serve it in plain, pureed form without added sugars or spices. Make sure you get the pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling for pumpkin pie.

Rambo, 8 years old German Shepherd dog enjoying pumpkin puree

The recommended dosage typically ranges from 1 to 4 tablespoons of plain, canned pumpkin per meal, depending on your dog's size.

For Rambo, who weighs 86 lbs, I give him two big tablespoons.

By 2 p.m., while I had a quick break during my work, I sent my mom a short text message and asked, "How is Rambo doing? Did he have diarrhea after I left this morning?"

"Yes, three times," she messaged back.

I couldn't help but think to myself, "See, I was right," though I didn't voice it to my mom.

When I got home at 5 p.m. that evening, I was relieved to find that Amazon had delivered the Slippery Elm. Rambo greeted me as usual at the door.

Knowing my mom would insist on feeding him, I suggested, "Let's feed him early today. If he has diarrhea again, it will start earlier, and hopefully, we can both sleep through the night."

We only fed my dog Rambo some turkey heart, chicken feet, and 90/10 ground beef for Rambo's dinner. I gave him two big spoonfuls of pumpkin puree and added half a capsule of slippery elm. I also included some leftover chamomile tea in his food.

As the night progressed — 7 pm, 8 pm, 9 pm... 11 pm (my bedtime) — there was no diarrhea. We both woke up at 8 a.m. together and slept through the night.

Woohoo! We did it! The power of the combination of pumpkin puree and slippery elm for dog diarrhea.

Now, let's delve into what slippery elm is and how it can help dogs with diarrhea:

Slippery Elm: A Natural Remedy for Dog Diarrhea

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), also known as red elm or Indian elm, is a tree native to North America. Its inner bark has been used for centuries to address gastrointestinal issues in both humans and animals, including dogs.

The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is a natural remedy that soothes and protects the digestive tract. It offers several benefits and can aid in alleviating stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Soothes Irritated Stomach Lining: Slippery elm contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that becomes slippery when mixed with water. This mucilage coats and soothes the stomach lining, reducing irritation and inflammation caused by stomach upset or diarrhea.

2. Eases Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Slippery elm can help reduce discomfort associated with gastrointestinal issues. It may relieve symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.

3. Supports Healing: This herb is renowned for promoting the healing of the digestive tract, aiding in repairing damage to the stomach and intestinal lining. It is beneficial for dogs with conditions like gastritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Dosage of Slippery Elm for Dogs

The recommended dosage is weight-dependent, with guidelines suggesting 100 milligrams per every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight. Giving slippery elm to dogs two to three times a day is typically recommended. The powder can be mixed with a small amount of water to create a gel-like consistency for easier administration. You can also incorporate this natural remedy by mixing it into your dog's regular food or blending it with a small portion of plain kefir or bone broth.

For Rambo, I purchased Slippery Elm supplement from NOW FOODS. Each capsule contains 400mg of slippery elm. Instead of giving him 800mg per day, I started small. I broke open the capsule and only gave my dog half, which is 200mg at night, and the remaining capsule during the day. That dosage and the pumpkin puree had already worked wonderfully on his upset stomach.

Suppose you are nervous about giving human supplements to your dogs. In that case, you can opt for the following slippery elm products specifically created for dogs:

• The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Dog & Cat Supplement

  • It contains papaya leaf, plantain, slippery elm, organic pumpkin seed, pectin, papain, and fennel.

• Wonder Labs Slippery Elm Bark Powder

  • It contains 100% slippery elm bark powder

• Bark & Whiskers GI Support Dog & Cat Supplement

  • It contains organic slippery elm bark, organic chamomile flower, organic fennel seed, organic aloe vera leaf, licorice extract, artichoke extract, Oregon grape root, and peppermint leaf.

In addition to natural remedies like pumpkin and slippery elm, you can try another home remedy for diarrhea in dogs when your dog experiences diarrhea.

Here's how rice water, and a bland diet can help soothe your pup's tummy trouble.

Bland Diet: Home Remedy for Diarrhea in Dogs

Unsurprisingly, what we feed our dog plays a significant role in your dog's digestive health. Feeding your dogs high-quality dog food or a species-appropriate diet can help prevent digestive upsets and provide essential nutrients for their overall well-being. Whether you feed a homemade raw diet, commercial raw dog food, or kibbles, choosing a dog food brand that aligns with your dog's specific dietary needs and preferences and your lifestyle is crucial.

When diarrhea strikes, opting for a bland diet can often help alleviate digestive discomfort and it's gentle on your dog's gastrointestinal tract, making it an excellent choice during episodes of diarrhea. When your dog has diarrhea, feeding them a bland diet for a day or two can help ease their digestive distress.

Why a Bland Diet is Beneficial for Dogs with Diarrhea

1. Gentle on the Stomach: A bland diet typically consists of easily digestible foods like plain white rice and boiled chicken. These foods are easy on the stomach and less likely to irritate it further.

2. Reduces Stress on the Digestive System: The simplicity of a bland diet gives your dog's digestive system a break from processing their regular food.

3. Offers Needed Nutrition: While bland, it still provides essential nutrients to nourish your dog during recovery.

A bland dog diet is often used when your dog has diarrhea or an upset stomach. It consists of easily digestible, mild ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system. Feeding a bland diet for a day or two is usually recommended to give your dog's stomach a break and help resolve gastrointestinal issues. A typical bland diet for dogs may include the following ingredients:

1. Boiled Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Remove the skins. Boil the chicken until it's fully cooked. Do not add any seasonings or spices.

2. Plain White Rice: White rice is easy to digest and can help firm up your dog's stool. The easiest way to cook white rice is to use a rice cooker. Do not add any spices or seasonings.

3. Boiled Sweet Potatoes: These provide added nutrients and fiber while being gentle on the stomach. Please make sure they're plain, without any seasoning.

4. Plain Oatmeal: Oatmeal can be a source of fiber and can help with digestion. Cook it without sugar or flavorings.

5. Cottage Cheese: Some dogs tolerate plain, low-fat cottage cheese well. It can provide protein and probiotics to aid digestion.

6. Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs, without any seasoning, can be another protein source for a bland diet.

When preparing a bland diet for your dog, ensure that everything is thoroughly cooked and free from any added seasonings, salt, or spices. It's also a good idea to consult your veterinarian to confirm that a bland diet is appropriate for your dog's specific condition. Bland diets should be used as a temporary solution. Suppose your dog's diarrhea or digestive issues persist. In that case, it's crucial to consult a vet for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.

Why Bone Broth is Beneficial for Dogs with Diarrhea

1. Hydration: Dogs with diarrhea risk dehydration, and bone broth can help maintain fluid balance.

2. Nutrient Boost: Bone broth contains essential nutrients that can support your dog's overall health, especially when they have been losing fluids through diarrhea.

3. Gut Healing: The gelatin and amino acids in bone broth can help soothe and repair your dog's gut lining, which is often irritated during bouts of diarrhea.

4. Encourages Appetite: When your dog's tummy is off, they may not feel like eating their regular food. Adding bone broth can make their meals more appealing and encourage them to eat, which is vital for their recovery.

Rice Water, Excellent Home Remedy for Diarrhea for Dogs

Rice water is a simple home remedy that can work wonders for dogs with diarrhea. It's easy to make and can help soothe your dog's stomach while providing necessary hydration.

Why Rice Water is Beneficial for Dogs with Diarrhea

1. Stomach Settler: Rice water acts as a gentle agent to calm your dog's upset stomach.

2. Rehydration: Like bone broth, rice water helps keep your dog hydrated, a crucial factor in their recovery.

3. Easy to Digest: It's easy on your dog's digestive system, making it a suitable choice when they're feeling under the weather.

4. Source of Energy: Rice water provides a source of energy for your dog when they might not be eating their regular meals.

In this blog, I've shared several home remedies for diarrhea in dogs. Still, maintaining proper hydration is a crucial aspect of their recovery that must be noticed.

It's vital to ensure that your dog has continuous access to fresh water throughout their recovery period. Hydration plays a significant role in their healing, helping to restore fluid balance and overall well-being.

You can even try this homemade electrolytes for dogs to replenish electrolytes further and enhance hydration. This solution can provide the necessary balance of essential electrolytes in their body.

Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are pivotal in helping your dog regain strength and return to their happy, healthy self. So, while these home remedies can work wonders, never underestimate the power of hydration in your dog's healing process.

Disclaimer:

Please remember that I'm not a medical professional. The insights shared in this blog post are based on my personal research and the experiences I've gained as a crazy dog mom who is obsessed with my dog's health. In cases where your dog has any medical issues or health concerns, it's vital to consult with a licensed veterinarian or a qualified animal healthcare provider. While I aim to provide informative content based on my personal experiences, it should never be considered a replacement for professional veterinary guidance.

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